MICHAEL OLIVER

The first comprehensive English biography to appear since the composer's death.The first comprehensive biography for the general listener to appear in English since the composer's death Devotes particular attention to the composer's childhood in pre-revolutionary Russia, which was a formative influence Charts his discovery by Diaghilev, his collaborations with choreographers, dancers, painters and designers as well as with writers Concentrates on Stravinsky's creativity, describing how his musical mind worked and relating this to his complex and fascinating personality Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) is widely regarded as the twentieth century's most versatile and adventurous composer. He began his dazzling career in association with Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. However, three years after his first brilliant success with The Firebird in 1913 he provoked the most riotous first night of the century with The Rite of Spring. Subsequently, his music underwent many stylistic changes as both public and private pressures drove him from Russia to Switzerland, France and finally Hollywood.

Benjamin Britten A portrait of the life and work of Benjamin Britten.A portrait of the life and work of Benjamin Britten (1913-76), the greatest English composer of his time, and the first of his generation to enjoy a wide international reputation Discusses how Britten's political and social convictions and sexuality directly or indirectly inspired much of his art Looks at Britten's reinvention of English opera and his work as a pioneer of music for film and radioBenjamin Britten (1913-76) was the greatest English composer of his time, and the first of his generation to enjoy a wide international reputation. With the great success of Peter Grimes (1945) he effectively reinvented English opera and was a pioneer of music for film and radio. For much of his life, however, British critics dismissed his music merely as 'clever'. Hounded by malicious gossip, the details of his private life were fascinating: the author explores with sophistication the complex ways in which his sexuality and his political and social convictions directly or indirectly inspired much of his art. In this masterly biography, Michael Oliver creates a portrait of a great artist and discusses the contradictions between his quintessential English character and his world stature, his outsider status and his membership of the establishment, his artistic daring and his constant regard for musical forms and traditions.